Liz Burton MOT/S

The AOTA’s Model of Continuing Competency is an essential part of growing as an OT Practitioner and current student. The document encourages Practitioners to engage in professional development, mentor ship and continuing education. Not only do these activities benefit the OT, but can also play a major role in current students education and learning experience. Key words such as Contact Hours and Continuing Education Units can help the practitioner measure how many learning activities and continuing education activities they are engaging in over time. It is necessary to keep up with these hours in order to meet requirements established by organizations such as AOTA.   I do believe in the importance of continuing education and professional development for all professions. However, what makes health care specifically stand out, and in OT specifically, is the fact that we are centered around becoming Evidence Based Practitioners. It is vital for patients to be given the most appropri...

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One main word lingers and repeats in my head as we learn about blissful ordinariness.  Value.  Everyone has their own roles, routines, and rituals they perform in their day to day lives. It is only when something such as illness, trauma, or setbacks occur do we see how these day to day activities shape our every being and ultimately bring value to our lives. As Occupational Therapy students, we have been taught the importance of the holistic approach and how we must use this when interacting with our future clients. What may seem ordinary to everyone, including ourselves, may be a huge goal and area of excitement for someone else. Therefore, activities such as using the bathroom, cooking a meal, using adaptive equipment, and living an independent lifestyle are areas we have to put so much value in. Looking at the individual for who they are, what they want to become, and where they can go are priority. In order to fully understand the value of these goals, we must h...

One area I am interested in learning more about is Acute Care. During my observation and shadowing hours, this was an area in which I received very few hours, resulting in a lack of overall knowledge and experience. I’m very interested in learning more in order to determine whether or not this would be an area I would excel in. A few of the things that draw me into Acute Care is the fact that you are one of the first individuals getting to make contact with the patient and their family after a traumatic event. I believe being able to be one of the first sources of encouragement and aid would be extremely rewarding. In addition, I believe you are able to strongly incorporate advocacy and education about OT during this time, which is an important skill to strengthen, especially as a young professional. One area of Acute Care I believe is specifically interesting is the Burn Unit.  However, one of the downsides is that the patient turnover time is typically very short, allowi...

The Era Presentations provided a unique outlook into how Occupational Therapy was needed during different decades, as well as how it evolved. In the 90's, technology was booming and many of the sources of entertainment came from from video games, personal computers, and cell phones. Music and TV were also huge influencers coming off the 80's on young adults and teens. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned thus far is that OT's must be able to adapt. So, its no surprise that therapy sessions began incorporating technology into treatment. In addition, the development of personal computers also led to seminars and research publishing sites for further development in education and resources for practitioners and students. Furthermore, the 90's was a time of intense education reform. Tests were becoming more standardized and centered around prepping for college. For OT's in the school setting, I'm sure there was an increase in the overall need, as well ...

History of Occupational Therapy In order to fully understand and connect with an individual, you must first be able to appreciate and understand their past. Having knowledge about the past can help one fully understand the power of the present. On Monday, January 27th, we had Dr. Keisling come to our class and explain the history of individuals with disabilities, as well as the way legislation has, and continues to, shape their lives in the community, education system, and workforce. I was heartbroken as I heard Dr. Keisling explain the 20th century outlook on individuals with disabilities. The labels surrounding this population included terms such as criminals, weak, and insane. The negative outlook on people with disabilities led to involuntary sterilizations and institutional facilities across the Unites States, most of which did not provide safe and appropriate housing, nonetheless adequate healthcare. As the lecture moved along, we began seeing change, specifically with healthc...